The International Chess Federation plans to stage the FIDE Summit on Chess in Education on 24 September 2026 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, alongside the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad and Congress. The gathering will take place at the Silk Road by Minyoun and serves as a flagship event of the 2026 Year of Chess in Education.
Summit Highlights and Participation
Organizers expect participation from educators, policymakers, researchers, and innovators working at the intersection of chess and schooling. The summit’s theme, Every Lesson Counts, aims to assess the state of the field and map out next steps, spanning mature national programs, new community efforts, and partnerships with universities.
The day will be hosted by videographer, actor, and chess content creator Simon Bélanger, who will guide attendees through an enriching program designed to foster dialogue and collaboration among participants.
Part II of the program runs from 14:00 to 15:30 and features short, fast-moving panel discussions focused on lessons from established national initiatives, challenges facing pilot projects, and the evolving role of higher-education institutions and nonprofit partners. These discussions are essential for sharing best practices and identifying effective strategies for integrating chess into educational systems.
Following a coffee break, Part III (16:00–18:00) offers six longer Education Innovation Lectures. Topics include using chess to support refugee and conflict-affected communities, the development of FIDE’s own education programs, approaches to make chess engaging for every child, how the game strengthens learning and community ties worldwide, findings from a new global survey on chess in education, and the game’s impact beyond competitive play. These lectures are vital for understanding the broader implications of chess as a tool for education.
To accommodate international attendees, real-time voice translation in 64 languages will be available. Participants are asked to bring their own headphones to ensure they can fully engage with the discussions and lectures.
Registration is required for in-person attendance. Those needing an official invitation letter, for instance to support a visa application, can request one through FIDE’s Chess in Education Commission. This summit represents a significant opportunity for educators and stakeholders to explore the transformative role of chess in education.